Choeun is a 46-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. She lives in Takeo Province with her husband, who also works in construction. They have two children; a son who works as a taxi driver, and a daughter who is employed in a garment factory. She enjoys cooking for her family, and especially preparing meals for her elderly parents and husband. About a month ago, Choeun was in a road traffic accident and sustained severe soft tissue injury to her right leg. Although there was no fracture, the injured area got infected, leading to a serious wound condition diagnosed as gas gangrene. Choeun has been experiencing significant pain, swelling, and a foul-smelling discharge from the infected wound on her right leg. The condition has affected her mobility and prevented her from continuing her physically demanding construction work. When Choeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and half hours seeking treatment. On May 13th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to help remove infected and necrotic tissue, control the spread of infection, and promote wound healing to prevent further complications. Choeun and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $392 more to fund the procedure. Choeun says: “I hope that this treatment will heal my leg completely, so I can live without pain, and return to my normal daily activities. I wish to regain my strength and be able to care for my family without discomfort or worry.”

Segundo is a 59-year old man from the Philippines who works as a driver. His wife is unemployed, and they occasionally receive help with household expenses from their child, who runs a small business. Segundo has been living with thyroid concerns for the last year. Still, he pushes through to enjoy singing during special occasions and family gatherings. Segundo remains hopeful about his recovery and shared that undergoing free surgery would ease his family's financial stress and keep them from having to borrow money to pay for his treatment. A year ago, Segundo began to experience troubling symptoms, including periodic palpitations and a throbbing sensation in his eyes. He was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to heal. A recent ultrasound showed that the number and size of his thyroid nodules had increased, prompting concern from his family and a desire to have surgery before his condition worsens. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Segundo receive treatment. On August 29th, he will undergo a thyroidectomy at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. During this procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. Part of his treatment cost is covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Segundo's procedure and care. Segundo said, "I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to receive free surgery. I look forward to getting better and continuing to enjoy singing and spending time with my family without worrying about my health."

Fenet is eight-year-old girl from Ethiopia. She lives in a loving home with her parents and two brothers. She is supported by her father, who works for the government, and her mother, who was once a teacher but now devotes all her time to caring for their children. For the past seven years, Fenet has been fighting a difficult battle with chronic tonsillitis. This ongoing health struggle has made it very hard for her to enjoy her daily life and feel like a happy, active child. During an episode, Fenet experiences severe throat pain, low appetite, and exhausting fevers, leaving her without the energy she needs to play with friends or focus in school. She often misses class and is stressed about falling behind her classmates. Fenet was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Fenet, which is scheduled to take place on June 6th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Fenet of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Fenet’s parents shared, “We hope to provide her with a healthy and completely uninterrupted childhood, where she can finally leave behind these years of chronic throat pain and sudden fevers.”